Siberia Experience - Fly, Walk & Jet Boat Combo
Highlights & inclusions
1. Select date
September 2026
2. Select participants
What you can expect
The Siberia Experience with Southern Alps Air is a unique blend of wilderness activities, including a scenic flight, freedom walk and jet boat ride in the stunning landscapes of the Siberia Valley. This half day tour begins and ends in Makarora, approximately 45 minutes drive from Wanaka.
Your journey begins with a breathtaking 25-minute flight aboard Southern Alps Air's iconic yellow plane, Buttercup, offering unparalleled views of the UNESCO World Heritage Aspiring National Park from your window seat. Look out for the awe-inspiring peaks of Mt Dreadful and Mt Awful and the untouched beauty of the Siberia Valley.
Upon landing in the remote Siberia Valley, you'll step into a world of natural wonder to embark on a 2.5-3 hour unguided walk. The walking portion of the Siberia Experience from Wanaka takes you through native beech forests and along the Siberia Stream, leading to the expansive Wilkin Valley. Surrounded by towering peaks, you'll follow the path accompanied by native bird song, providing an intimate encounter with New Zealand's pristine wilderness.
The Siberia Experience with Southern Alps Air culminates with a thrilling 30-minute jet boat safari on the Wilkin and Makarora Rivers, where glacial waters carve through the landscape in braided rivers. The jet boat ride takes you all the way back to base in Makarora, completing the tour in style!
This half day Southern Alps Air package not only connects you with the untouched wilderness of New Zealand's South Island but also leaves you with memories of an extraordinary expedition far removed from the usual tourist paths.
Location
What you need to know
- 25 minute scenic flight from Makarora
- Guaranteed window seat on the flight
- 3 hour unguided walk
- 30 minute jet boat ride
- Allow 4 hours (5.5 hours if driving from Wanaka)
- 9am, 10am, 11am & 12pm
- Departs from the Wonderland Lodge in Makarora (45 minutes drive from Wanaka)
- Operates in summer only (Oct-Apr)
- Child rates apply (3-13yrs)
- Infants (0-4yrs) travel free of charge, 1 infant per adult.
- The walk in Siberia Valley is unguided, your pilot will provide a briefing on the track before you set off
- The unguided walk is approximately 7km in length and takes 2.5-3 hours. The first section is 3km to the highest point of the track; the second section is 2.5km downhill into the Wilkin Valley; the final section is 1.5km along the river valley to the jet boat pick up point (clearly marked)
- Minimum numbers apply for flight to go ahead
- Window seats are guaranteed on your scenic flight for best viewing
- This experience is suitable for all age groups with average fitness levels. You must be able to walk for 2-3 hours.
- The package includes a $20pp fuel surcharge.
